NEWS

NORTH BLENHEIM—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will host a season of free family fun, at the visitors center complex for its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project, featuring a full calendar of admission-free events throughout the summer tourism season.

The Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center complex also includes the historic Lansing Manor, a classic example of Federalist architecture. Open from May 1 through October 31, Lansing Manor is operated in cooperation with the Schoharie County Historical Society and is the setting for several featured events this summer.

Summer Event Schedule:

June 2 & 3: Quilt Show at Lansing Manor - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Check out the talent as handmade quilts and other fine needle crafts from Schoharie and Delaware counties are displayed throughout historic Lansing Manor.

June 23 & 24: American Mountain Men – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Sharpen your flints and watch as the visitors center transforms itself into a lively 19th century encampment with demonstrations of outdoor survival skills.

July 7: Summer Hike – 11 a.m. Put on some comfortable walking shoes and meet at the visitors center for a one-hour guided hike on easy trails. Learn to identify the flora and fauna of summer.

July 15: Antiques and Vintage Car Show – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Vintage cars and tractors will be on display, and joined by vendors specializing in antiques. Appraisal services will also available. Now’s your chance to find out exactly what that old clock is worth! (Featuring Brooks BBQ).

August 4: Victorian Tea at Lansing Manor - 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sign up early for tea served in the historic setting of Lansing Manor. Places are limited and reservations run out quickly. (Two seatings)

September 22: Wildlife Festival and Energy Expo – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Wildlife from exotic reptiles to ponies will be the focus of talks and demonstrations, accompanied by music, games, crafts and more.

At each of these events, stop in to enjoy the visitors center’s attractions, which include hands-on exhibits for people of all ages and abilities.

In 2012, the visitors center debuted exhibits on solar and wind power, highlighting NYPA’s focus on renewable energy. Visitors can also learn how the Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project acts like a giant battery, generating hydroelectricity while recycling water between two huge reservoirs. Other displays demonstrate the basics of electricity, energy production and conservation. For more information on these events, please call 800-725-0903 or visit: www.nypa.gov.

The Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center is located on Route 30, five miles north of Grand Gorge, 17 miles south of Middleburgh and 50 miles southwest of Albany. School groups and community organizations are welcome.

About NYPA:

■The New York Power Authority uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity.
■NYPA is a leader in promoting energy efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives.■It is the nation's largest state public power organization, with 17 generating facilities in various parts of New York State and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines.
■Approximately 80 percent of the electricity it produces is clean renewable hydropower. Its lower-cost power production and electricity purchases support hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the state.■For more information, www.nypa.gov